Knowing When To Use Logic

And realising when there is some other work we need to do first

a person destroys with a sledgehammer a blackboard filled with scribbled mathematical equations — by DALL·E

I often write about the problem of equating logic with truthfulness. Indeed, we could base a perfectly logical argument on a false premise. For example, we could accept that human migration is problematic and thus suggest we should fight it by all possible means: while it would make sense to fight something problematic, human migration is intrinsic to human nature and not an issue per se.

Moreover, we could have a truthful foundation and sound arguments for an ultimately unfair proposal. For instance, we could agree that thievery is a threat to civilisation and argue that chopping every thief’s right arm would have a deterrent effect: while there is little debate that theft harms a community and that lawful violence disincentivises crime, I hope most would consider mutilation an unjust form of punishment.

However, my argument has never been against logic but against its flawed application by humans. I have adored the subject since I discovered it in high school. Being good at it has helped me in every job, from fast-food cooking to songwriting and, naturally, software development. When a problem presents itself, I try to remain emotionless for as long as possible, trying to discern its diverse aspects and potential ramifications before…